Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central district, has expressed his displeasure over the continued overbearing attitude of the Federal Government in matters concerning Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

Sani noted that, being a “political prisoner” himself, he knows that whatever happens to a detainee is squarely on the head of those holding him or her, and in this case, the FG.

El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Nigeria, and Zeenat, his wife, have been facing trial before a high court in Kaduna state.

The two were recently granted leave to travel to India for medical treatment, but that hasn’t stopped the government from imposing restrictions on their activities.

But Sani warned that, if this interference leads to the eventual death of El-Zakzaky, the government may have to pay dearly for that, as the blame will be on it.

Read full details here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/16/shehu-sani-why-fg-should-stop-caging-el-zakzaky/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has joined other stakeholders to condemn the move by President Muhammadu Buhari to stop food importation in the country. Kola Ologbondiyan, the party’s spokesman lamented that the move is not only ill-timed but is also against the wellbeing of Nigerians.

The President had earlier this week ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to stop providing foreign exchange for importation of food into the country, based on “the steady improvement in agricultural production, and attainment of full food security.”

The PDP, in its reaction statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, said, “the Buhari Presidency and the APC have again demonstrated their insensitivity towards millions of Nigerians who are already suffering acute hunger and starvation due to severe food shortage and high prices brought by President Buhari’s misrule.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/16/food-ban-pdps-spokesman-kola-ologbondiyan-comes-down-hard-on-president-buhari/

Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna Central district, has expressed his displeasure over the continued overbearing attitude of the Federal Government in matters concerning Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

Sani noted that, being a “political prisoner” himself, he knows that whatever happens to a detainee is squarely on the head of those holding him or her, and in this case, the FG.

El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Nigeria, and Zeenat, his wife, have been facing trial before a high court in Kaduna state.

The two were recently granted leave to travel to India for medical treatment, but that hasn’t stopped the government from imposing restrictions on their activities.

But Sani warned that, if this interference leads to the eventual death of El-Zakzaky, the government may have to pay dearly for that, as the blame will be on it.

Read full details here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/16/shehu-sani-why-fg-should-stop-caging-el-zakzaky/

It was a rude shock to Nigerians when, about two weeks ago, some semi-nude women were seen dancing seductively in a moving vehicle in Lagos. It was later discovered that the ladies were actually performing in a music video of popular singer, Tekno.

Despite public outrage and government condemnation, the defiant musician went ahead to release the music video, featuring the parti cular scene. But how the government reacted raised questions on whether it’s not just like the proverbial ‘goat’s anger that means nothing.’

Read full article here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/15/lagos-strippers-can-fg-really-do-anything-to-tekno/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) came into power in 2015, and again in 2019, riding on the claims that its public officials represent political sanctity and accountability that we’ve always dream about.

Especially, President Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo were at the front of this reputation. But just recently, there is a damning report that suggests that Osinbajo may not have been clean after all.

Read full story here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/15/is-this-the-skeleton-in-yemi-osinbajos-cupboard/

Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, gave Nigerians a clear hint about his intention for 2023 presidential race at the weekend. It has been in the realm of speculation before now, and people had thought the zoning clause will stand against him, even if he declares an interest.

To put himself in the perfect position to contest, he made a case for the abandonment of zoning arrangements for political offices as currently obtainable in the country. Normally, it’s expected that, with President Buhari out, a southerner will take his place. But El-Rufai is striving to change this.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/14/el-rufai-opens-the-battleground-for-2023-presidency/

President Buhari sure knows his onions when he decided to stem corruption in Nigeria. That’s well-proven in his choice of men who manage the key agencies involved in this effort. No one in Nigeria of today doesn’t know about Ibrahim Magu, and his works at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But aside from Magu, another figure in the president’s anti-corruption fight is Okoi Obono-Obla, the Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP). That’s the special panel that hunts for looters, with more administrative powers than sister agencies.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/14/obono-obla-the-buharis-man-all-politicians-fear-more-than-the-president-himself/

Nominations for the 2019 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) has been released, and Burna Boy, Rema and Wizkid dominate the pan-African list.

AFRIMMA stands out as the sole award ceremony in the Diaspora that recognises African talents in Afrobeats, Assiko, Bongo, Decale, Funana, Genge, Highlife, Hiplife, Kwaito, Lingala and Soukous. This year’s award ceremony is expected to hold on 26th and 27th of October 2019 at the Dallas Bomb Factory, TX.

Released on Wednesday, the nomination is dominated by Nigerians, with at least three slots in three categories. Among these is the newcomer’s category where Rema, Zlatan, and Fireboy DML represent Nigeria. Others include Kwesi Arthur (Ghana), Naiboi (Kenya), Ya Levis (Congo), Rui Orlando (Angola), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde), Gaz Mawete (Congo) and Sho Madjozi (South Africa).

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/09/rema-zlatan-or-fireboy-dml-who-deserves-the-best-newcomer-award-at-afrimma-2019/

Perhaps this will resonate more with people born in the 80s, the Home Alone comedy movie is set for a remake, just like The Lion King. Disney, which had acquired 21st Century Fox alongside movies like Home Alone, will launch its remake later this year.

You’ll recall that the original show had three parts back in the 90s, and what we may see now is a longer episodic series that’ll definitely keep fans, adults and young, glued to the TV.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/09/home-alone-is-coming-back-in-november-whats-your-most-memorable-scene-from-the-comedy-movie/

Basil Okpara is unlike a conventional Nigerian kid. Call him a genius, and you won’t be mistaken. He’s a nine-year-old boy who lives with his parents in Lagos, and a programmer with over 30 mobile games under his belt.

He was featured on CNN’s Inside Africa earlier this week. He builds the games using Scratch 2, a free programming application, which allows users to create games, animations, and stories.

For Basil, it’s only a matter of thirty minutes to create a new mobile game. The boy, who expressed interest in building animal games, race games, and running games, is aspiring to become a scientist.

Read full story here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/08/meet-basil-okpara-the-9-year-old-nigerian-programmer-who-has-built-over-30-games/

About two years ago when China mulled the idea of complementing conventional policemen with robots, most people would have thought that it’ll spend a decade on paper before the reality dawns. This robotic police are expected to have a face recognition system, help the police to catch fugitives and even answers questions from passengers.

But now, a northern Chinese city, Zhengzhou, has deployed a team of robots into operation to aid traffic police in tasks such as patrolling, information consulting, and providing accident alerts.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/08/this-chinese-city-now-uses-robots-as-policemen/

Former Lagos state governor, Akinwumi Ambode, earned the anger of Lagosians following various alleged administrative high-handedness and political errors. That got him out of office, and again, he lost out of the two slots given to Lagos for ministerial appointment.

One would think that’s all the trouble Ambode would face, but recent realities prove otherwise. He and his acquaintances are now being allegedly investigated of ₦9.9bn inflow during his days in power, leading to the freezing of the bank accounts. But unlike Danjuma Goje who got away with ₦25bn fraud, Ambode has nothing to bargain with, if these allegations are true.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/07/who-will-save-ambode-from-efcc/

American media mogul, Kylie Jenner will feature prominently on the list of celebrities with an unapologetic taste for extravagance. She recently flew her entourage via private jet to Turks and Caicos for vacation, to tell you nothing is impossible for the youngest self-made billionaire.

The model, businesswoman, and socialite have starred in the E! reality television series Keeping Up with the Kardashians since 2007 and is the founder and owner of cosmetic company Kylie Cosmetics. She will be turning 22 on August 10, and to celebrate herself, Kylie will be renting a $250 million yacht to host birthday bash.

See more pictures and details here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/07/inside-250m-yacht-where-kylie-jenner-will-celebrate-her-22nd-birthday/

About 50% of Nigerians live in extreme poverty, and being a democratic nation, that means they are the decision-makers when it comes to elections, referendums and other people-based decisions. However, this comes with a dark side that might not allow us to ever grow.

As long as poor people are the key stakeholders who make decisions in Nigeria, we can’t expect to grow at a reasonable pace. This doesn’t in any way put down the downtrodden but goes to say that most people who are financially poor lack the mental capacity to predict what is the best decision, especially political and economic decisions.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/06/nigeria-a-rich-country-run-by-poor-people/

Mohammed Abubakar, the immediate past governor of Bauchi state, did all he could to avoid facing-up with the consequences of his corrupt administration, but it seems nemesis has eventually caught up with him. It is even believed that his grand corruption deprived him of a ministerial assignment with the Presidency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stepped up investigation into about ₦20bn that the ex-governor mopped up before he left office in May. An Abuja federal high court has permitted the EFCC to freeze the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) operational account number: 0998552074 of the Bauchi state government.

Read full story here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/06/₦20bn-fraud-allegations-is-it-time-up-for-ex-bauchi-governor-mohammed-abubakar/

It was a rude shock to Nigerians on Sunday to hear that the embattled Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo, has returned to his position in the church. This is coming barely a month after stepping down following the allegation of rape against him by Busola Dakolo and a few others.

Early in July, the allegations had raged, with scores of protesters at the Abuja-based church to call for Fatoyinbo’s prosecution. Busola had accused him of raping her 20 years ago, while she was still a teenager. It is most worrisome that Fatoyinbo could return to the pulpit without any information from the police on the progress of their investigation, which ignites fear that justice may be flying away, without us knowing.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/05/why-is-the-police-silent-on-fatoyinbos-rape-case/

Constituency projects are key responsibilities of members of the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Federal Government provides funds for the lawmakers to execute impactful projects in their respective localities. But we all know that this is probably the most ‘efficient’ channel of fraud these politicians exploit.

Before now, our weak and inefficient institutions have made it impossible to track how these monies are spent, but it appears the narrative is ready to change with the new awakening of the ICPC – the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission. It was a surprise to see that former Akwa Ibom governor, Godwswil Akpabio, and a champion of corruption-free police, Isa Misau will be among the first set of scapegoats.

The ICPC disclosed on Thursday that it had recovered hospital equipment meant for constituency project on the premises of Mma Obot Foundation, allegedly belonging to Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/05/constituency-projects-fraud-akpabio-misau-and-utazi-are-now-the-scapegoats/

The recent revelations of alleged corruption in Imo state during the administration of a former governor, Rochas Okorocha, have raised eyebrows. To think that a governor, who claimed to have completed over 1000 projects in the state, is corrupt, only goes to say how politics has been bastardised in Nigeria.

Between 2016 and the expiration of his tenure in May, he was alleged to have spent over ₦20billion in state funds on projects considered over-valued, incomplete or faceless. That’s aside from tonnes of state properties being recovered in bits from him by his successor, Emeka Ihedioha.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/02/rochas-okorocha-how-allegations-of-corruption-and-uncompleted-projects-during-his-tenure-as-imo-state-governor-may-get-him-in-trouble/

The Nigerian government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has a very peculiar way of dealing with data. In some other climes, you’ll find government officials doing an on-ground assessment of impacts of policies and government projects, to come up with a report. But here in Nigeria, especially in this current regime, our leaders know the end from the beginning of every project.

That’s why you’ll see President Buhari insisting on the efficacy of his poverty alleviation plans based on the projected outcomes, not facts from Nigerian streets. This came to play again this week when the president said his administration has lifted five million Nigerians out of extreme poverty in three years. What about the World Poverty Clock report which says 86.9 million are now extremely poor?

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/02/buhari-lifted-5-million-nigerians-out-of-poverty-but-86-9-million-others-are-now-extremely-poor/

The recent revelations of alleged corruption in Imo state during the administration of a former governor, Rochas Okorocha, have raised eyebrows. To think that a governor, who claimed to have completed over 1000 projects in the state, is corrupt, only goes to say how politics has been bastardised in Nigeria.

Between 2016 and the expiration of his tenure in May, he was alleged to have spent over ₦20billion in state funds on projects considered over-valued, incomplete or faceless. That’s aside from tonnes of state properties being recovered in bits from him by his successor, Emeka Ihedioha.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/02/rochas-okorocha-how-allegations-of-corruption-and-uncompleted-projects-during-his-tenure-as-imo-state-governor-may-get-him-in-trouble/

Shi’ites, also known as the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), has spent the last four years agitating for the release of its leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife from detention, with no results. To cap it all, the federal government has now designated the sect a terrorist organisation.

This came after recent violent protests and clashes with security operatives over the same lingering issue. But the prescription is a minor concern, compared to the question of what will happen if E-Zakzaky happens to die in custody. Those who remember how Boko Haram started will be scared of the answer to this question.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/01/shiites-what-will-happen-if-el-zakzaky-dies-in-detention/

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a former Lagos state governor, and a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has a reputation for good governance, and he currently holds a political weight no one else has in Nigeria.

Irrespective of divergent views and political differences, no one can argue that Tinubu is the brain behind the Lagos we now have. Not only that, he has unequalled strategic capabilities and leadership qualities Nigeria has always needed. Judging from a few factors, he may trump all past and current leaders in performance if he comes to power.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/08/01/why-bola-tinubu-will-be-a-better-president-than-all-past-leaders/

Controversial Nigerian singer, Naira Marley, made allusions to Fela in his ‘Am I A Yahoo Boy’ track. His subtle reference to himself being like the late Anikulapo-Kuti was taken with rage by his fans, who went ahead to place the two on the same pedestal.

Naira Marley was in May arrested and arraigned over internet fraud charges. He only came out after a bail. That means the police investigation indicted him of actually being a ‘’yahoo boy.” If that is the case, how come he looks like Fela? That can only be the argument of those who knew nothing about the legendary singer.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/31/its-an-insult-to-compare-naira-marley-to-fela/

Since the presidential elections ended in February, it appears Atiku Abubakar’s popularity has been on the increase, Perhaps it’s because of the election tribunal, his voice always carries heavyweight in recent times. Before now, All Progressives Congress (APC) always play bold and play down his popularity

But in an intriguing turn of events, the APC seems to now be scared of him even after the elections were long over. They were afraid that he usually makes comments about national issues, which the party considers uncomfortable for it.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/31/apc-is-becoming-more-scared-of-atikus-popularity-and-heres-the-proof/

Political watchers will notice the friendship between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and foremost businessman. Aliko Dangote in recent years. From being visibly present at events attended by major party leaders to leveraging his influence to solve the internal crisis within the APC, he has become a voice heard everywhere.

Perhaps many people don’t know, but he mediated in the beef between Kano state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and Emir Sanusi. And since he waded in, the fight died down. Now again, he is playing an active role in resolving the crisis between APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki.

Continue reading: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/30/has-aliko-dangote-joined-politics/

Educational institutions in Nigeria have always made a joke of academic success for a long time now. It’s only here that you’ll hear of a school rewarding best students with a pack of books, or other things as meagre as a calculator set. There was virtually nothing from these institutions to inspire these winners or set them on the path for greater growth.

But while we are expecting this to change for the better, it was a sad surprise to hear the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced that National Hajj Commission will sponsor some top-scoring candidates in the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Saudi Arabia for holy pilgrimage for free.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/30/take-next-jamb-utme-and-you-may-win-a-free-hajj/

Earlier this month, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was in Ondo state to finalise peace moves between him and the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. The two, who had been at war with each other for the past three years, decided to sheathe swords, to avoid a catastrophic loss in next year’s governorship election in the state.

Both in the All Progressives Congress (APC), but because Tinubu refused to support Akeredolu’s election in 2016, the Ondo governor also called his bluff, giving him no regard whatsoever as to the party’s National Leader.

Akeredolu was the Akinwumi Ambode type, who left his party in the rain, while living above everyone. But after seeing how the former Lagos governor ended, he moved to seek Tinubu’s help to reconcile his army of enemies. That was going well, understandably because keeping Ondo is important to whatever the APC is scheming for 2023.

Read full story here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/29/tinubu-is-helping-akeredolu-to-win-ondo-but-hes-not-helping-himself/

The candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in February’s presidential election, Omoyele Sowore, is a scary figure in Nigeria’s democracy, even if he doesn’t seem as such. The SaharaReporters publisher was a major contender in that election, thanks to his soaring reputation among elites.

Though he could only pull a conservative 33, 953 votes, his media tools and political strategies are threats to the major political parties – All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Have you ever wondered why the AAC has been thrown into crisis even before the elections? Someone was fanning that fire.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/29/pdp-apc-are-afraid-of-omoyele-sowore-and-heres-why/

The recent developments in Edo state only point to one thing – that a political explosion is about to take place. The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, particularly the tussle between the sitting governor, Godwin Obaseki, and APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole is at its peak.

To connect the dots, it’s similar to what happened in Zamfara State last year, which eventually led to the collapse of the APC in the state. Now that Oshiomhole and his men are frustrating Obaseki, can they withstand his defection to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/26/if-obaseki-moves-to-pdp-can-oshiomhole-still-unseat-him-as-edo-governor/

Abdulmumin Jibrin, the House of Representatives member from Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, led the team that campaigned vigorously for the election of Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker. In fact, he coordinated the alliance with other parties that gave Gbaja a smooth run.

So, it was the general expectation that Jibrin will sit on one or more of the most coveted committees in the lower chamber of the National Assembly. But on Thursday, when Gbaja named leaders of 105 standing committees of the House, he was missing.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/26/drama-in-house-of-reps-why-didnt-femi-gbajabiamila-give-his-campaign-chairman-jibrin-any-post/

It was an expected surprise when, on Monday, President Buhari dolled out a fresh ₦30.8 billion bailout fund to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. Before now, bailout funds were usually given in general or collectively. So, Nigerians became curious as to why Bello earned this special treatment.

Confirming the receipt of the payment during the opening ceremony of a chapel in the Government House, Bello said the money was the balance of the ₦50 billion bailout fund which his administration had earlier requested for. But why does it have to be now that Kogi election is a few months away?

Read full story here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/25/why-buhari-gave-₦30bn-to-kogi-governor-but-nothing-to-other-states/

To be nominated as a minister while still serving as a member of the House of Representatives is no small feat to achieve, but Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba pulled it off. Popularly called HCN, Nwajiuba is such a formidable politician in the East that neither the former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, or the incumbent, Emeka Ihedioha could stop his political moves and aspirations.

His first coming to the House of Representatives was in 1993, and in three consecutive elections, he contested for Imo governorship seat on the platform of ANPP in 2003, 2007 and as CPC candidate in 2011, which were President Buhari’s parties at the times.

Okorocha, with his ambition, tried to edge out Nwajiuba because of his political weight. Okorocha feels that his presidential ambition in 2023 is under threat if Nwajiuba is not stopped.

Continue reading here: https://qwenu.com/2019/07/25/emeka-nwajiuba-the-imo-state-politician-more-powerful-than-okorocha-and-ihedioha/